Gratitude for the Other 364 Days of the Year

December 4, 2014 8:44 PM

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There are few healthy habits with more immediate results than gratitude. This is why English author Joseph Addison declared, "There is not a more pleasing exercise of the mind." Unlike other virtues, he said, gratitude offers "natural gratification" as the "duty is sufficiently rewarded by the performance." Likewise, there are few healthy habits with more reverberating effects. Unlike eating broccoli or meditating, expressing appreciation is discernibly beneficial for both the practitioner and recipient.

Both research and thought leaders agree. A growing body of data shows that people who cultivate an attitude of gratitude experience more energy, happiness and resilience. Furthermore, expressing thanks appears to be a gateway to improved relationships and better mental health by shifting our human n...